Sicily (1285-96) pierreale
This specimen was lot 1575 in Jean Elsen sale 162 (Brussels, June 2025), where it sold for €90 (about US$125 including buyer's fees). The catalog description[1] noted,
"ITALIE, SICILE, Jacques Ier d'Aragon (1285-1296), AR pierreale, Messine. Au titre de comte de Barcelone. D/ Aigle éployée et couronnée, t. à d., dans un polylobe cantonné d'annelets. R/ Écu d'Aragon entre quatre annelets, dans un polylobe cantonné d'annelets. (Italy, kingdom of Sicily, James I of Aragon, 1285-96, silver pierreale, Messina mint, struck in the name of the count of Barcelona. Obverse: eagle displayed, head right, within a polylobe cantonned with annulets; reverse: arms of Aragon within a polylobe cantonned with annulets. about Very Fine.)"
The Aragonese ruled Sicily until the death of Ferdinand of Aragon in 1516. James ceded Sicily to Charles II of Anjou in 1296 but the Sicilians crowned James' brother Frederick instead.
Recorded mintage: unknown.
Specification: 3.25 g, silver, this specimen 2,94 g.
Catalog reference: Spahr 11; M.E.C. XIV, 768.
- Grierson, Philip, Coins of Medieval Europe, London: B. A. Seaby Ltd., 1991.
- [1]Elsen, Philippe, et al., Vente Publique 162: Collection Jacques Druart, Brussels: Jean Elsen et ses Fils S.A., 2025.
Link to:
- Naples (1277-85) salut d'or Fr-808, Charles d'Anjou
- Sicily (1282-85) pierreale d'argento, Constance and Peter
- Sicily (1285-96) tari
- Sicily (1296-1337) pierreale, Frederick III
- Coins and currency dated 1285